Archie Colgan was eager to return to action, especially upon hearing his next fight would be a No. 1 contender`s match, with the winner set to challenge lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.
This news was positive for Colgan, but less so for Paul Hughes, who has been pushing for a rematch against Nurmagomedov since his very close majority decision loss in January. When the PFL first announced Colgan`s fight against Mansour Barnaoui with these stakes, Hughes reacted on social media, calling it “rage bait.”
While Hughes may indeed get another title opportunity later, Colgan states his recent fight was explicitly set up as a No. 1 contender`s bout, and he earned the shot with his dominant victory over Barnaoui.
“I knew this beforehand,” Colgan shared. “My manager Ali Abdelaziz told me my next fight would be a No. 1 contender fight. I absolutely expect to fight Usman next. It would make no sense otherwise. If it wasn`t, they should have just called it a showcase fight. They couldn`t be clearer than labeling it a `No. 1 contender’s fight` and stating the winner would face Usman Nurmagomedov. So, as of now, I anticipate being Usman’s next opponent.”
Colgan understands why Hughes might be frustrated, particularly after his quick rebound finish in his recent fight following the earlier loss to Nurmagomedov. However, Colgan feels his own consistent climb and impressive 12-0 record have earned him this chance.
“No disrespect to Paul Hughes,” Colgan commented. “I believe he`s a great fighter. Paul Hughes had his moment; he put on an excellent fight, a very good fight, but he fell slightly short. That was his chance at that time. I think I am now due that next opportunity, and I don`t plan on falling short.”
Despite how closely Hughes came to winning, the judges ultimately scored it a close decision loss. During their fight, Hughes displayed impressive takedown defense and grappling skills, neutralizing some of Nurmagomedov`s key weapons, particularly his wrestling. Colgan respects Hughes`s ability to challenge Nurmagomedov in that area but insists their potential matchup is entirely different.
As a former standout wrestler at the University of Wyoming before becoming a top lightweight contender, Colgan knows he brings problems for Nurmagomedov that Hughes couldn`t. “That`s the key difference, that`s my argument,” Colgan explained. “Not only will taking me down be difficult for him – he`ll know going in that I have a strong wrestling base, making grappling exchanges tougher – but also, what happens when he gets taken down? He`s never really had to consider fights from that viewpoint.”
“What happens when I take him down? What happens when he has to fight his way back up to his feet? That`s not just a possibility, it`s going to happen. I will secure takedowns. I will score takedowns. I agree he`ll likely take me down; he`s a high-level fighter, I`m aware of that and prepared for it. No offense to Paul, but I offer an offensive wrestling threat, not just a defensive one of stopping your attempts, but I will take you down.”
Currently, Colgan says the PFL hasn`t provided specific scheduling details, but he anticipates the fight against Nurmagomedov happening around October or November.
Assuming his fight goes well, Colgan is ready for any challenges the PFL presents. Perhaps then Hughes can get another title opportunity, but for now, Colgan believes Hughes needs to wait his turn.
“Of course, I would fight Paul Hughes,” Colgan stated. “At that point, the champ calls the shots. You own the belt, you become the hunted. Whoever they deem the right person. Just like I`m currently lined up. There will be a list.”
“I`m sure Usman would want a rematch (if Colgan wins). I`m sure Paul Hughes would want his chance. Then there`s obviously the tournament winner, probably Gadzhi Rabadanov in my opinion. There will be a list of contenders.”
